The right-back Puma Rodríguez was again called up for the Uruguayan national team by the new coach Diego Forlán, after being left off the final list for the 2026 World Cup. The player, who was in Marcelo Bielsa's last call-ups, failed to meet the Argentine coach's expectations and ended up being cut from the World Cup.
Puma is going through an excellent moment at Vasco da Gama, even while sharing the starting spot with Paulo Henrique. In the round of 16 and quarterfinal stages of the Copa do Brasil, he scored the decisive goals for the club's progression against Fluminense and Vitória, respectively.
In the match this Wednesday against Vitória, Puma scored his seventh goal of the season, becoming Vasco's top scorer alongside striker Spinelli and midfielder Thiago Mendes. The Uruguayan has four goal contributions in just nine matches played.
The player was hoping to participate in the 2026 World Cup, which takes place in June. He was a recurring name on Bielsa's lists, but couldn't maintain the consistency needed to secure his spot on the final national team squad.
